From Ponoka and Breton/Thorsby RCMP:

On April 1 at 10:48 a.m., Ponoka RCMP responded to a complaint that a vehicle was stolen from a rural residence.  By 11:45 a.m., the vehicle was located in Breton and two suspects were arrested without incident.

The RCMP investigation has determined that two suspects allegedly entered a rural property in Ponoka County in a stolen van.  One suspect broke into the residence and stole the keys to a vehicle.  Both suspects departed in the newly stolen vehicle and left the previously stolen van, from Calgary, behind.  

There was no interaction with the elderly homeowner, who was home at the time.

Ponoka RCMP with the assistance of its General Investigation Section coordinated response with Breton/Thorsby RCMP and the suspects were located and arrested in Breton. The vehicle was returned to the owner.

Travis Aubichon (38) and Hye Sung Ku (29) are both facing charges of:

  • theft of vehicle,
  • break and enter and commit theft,
  • mischief and
  • two counts of possession of property obtained by crime.

Judicial interim release hearings have been held, and both Aubichon and Ku were released on conditions not to be in contact with each other, not to be in contact with the owner of the stolen vehicle and to not be in a motor vehicle without the registered owner present. Both accused will appear in court on June 10, 2020 in Breton and June 12, 2020 in Ponoka.

At the time of his arrest, Travis Aubichon was wanted on arrest warrants out of Calgary, while Hye Ku was wanted on arrest warrants out of Airdrie, Alta.

“We are still working diligently and partnering with other detachments to keep our communities safe” says Staff Sergeant Chris Smiley, Detachment Commander of Ponoka RCMP.  “Crimes against the vulnerable population are reprehensible during the best of times.  Today’s climate exacerbates this sentiment.”